I tried to convey my love and gratitude through my expression, but he stared back, unwavering in his rejection of my absolution.
“Look what you’re doing!” I yelled to my dad. “It’s Snake Eye’s fault. He needs to go to jail. Stop blaming everyone else.”
“Snake Eyes?” my mom asked.
“That’s what I call him. He has creepy black eyes.” I couldn’t stop the shiver that ran through my body.
“Jenna, love, if you knew he was suspicious, and you were still forced to be around him, putting yourself at risk, then that’s exactly why there needs to be consequences for everyone involved.” My mom said it kindly. Like she wasn’t twisting it to blame me for ignoring my suspicions. Like she truly believed that was the kind of protection one should expect without question.
I choked out a laugh that sounded more like a snort, but it dissolved into uncontrolled hysterical laughter. Not funny hysterical, but crazy. Maybe I was finally actually losing my mind.
“What’s so funny about this?” my dad asked, bewildered, making me laugh harder.
I laughed so hard, tears streamed down my cheeks.
With a muttered, “Excuse us,” Liam took my arm and pulled me up and through the house to his bedroom. He sat back on the bed, leaning against the headboard, and dragged me onto his lap, yanking me against his chest. “This okay?”
I nodded. Then came the gut-wrenching sobs. I hated it.
“Firefly,” he groaned. “It’s killing me to see you like this. What can I do?”
“Just hold me.”
“Always. I’ll always hold you.” He tightened his arms around me.
I eventually got myself back under control and sighed. “We need to go back down.”
“I don’t want to.” He pouted like a big, petulant child, and I chuckled despite everything.
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not. They’re so oblivious, and it’s hurting you.” He smoothed a strand of hair behind my ear. “They don’t deserve your truth, but for your own good, maybe you need to tell them.”
I shook my head. “I know, but not now. It’s too much.”
“Okay. It’s your choice. You’re in control of if you tell them, and how and when. No one’s going to make you do anything ever again, Firefly.”
“I love you,” I said simply. It was all too much, but that said what was most important.
“I love you, too. I think your parents hate me, though.”
“Maybe, but they like Brian, so their opinions are worthless.”
He scowled. “Do we really have to go back?”
I smiled, a little unsteady, but real. “Yes, and thank you for dragging me away.”
“Anytime.” He kissed the tip of my nose.
“Thanks for being nice to my parents, too.”
“I think I deserve a medal for that.”
“I’ll reward you later.” I flashed him a smile, and this one was steadier—and hopefully sexier, too.
“So Kathryn, Jenna tells me you’re an environmental lobbyist. What specifically do you do?”
“Our organization focuses on sustainable development, and my primary role is fundraising. Did you know that paved land increases run-off of pollutants into the waterways, while having adequate green space…”